Why Choose Colleges & Universities in Northeastern PA
Northeastern Pennsylvania is home to exceptional colleges and universities that combine quality education with an affordable, connected lifestyle. These higher education institutions offer nationally recognized programs, vibrant campus communities, and strong partnerships with local industries. Students can pursue degrees in everything from healthcare and business to engineering and the arts—without leaving the region they love.
Choosing one of the many colleges and universities in Northeastern PA means access to respected faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and meaningful career opportunities close to home. Local campuses support students through scholarships, internships, and community connections that strengthen both education and experience.
Study, Explore & Thrive in NEPA
Beyond academics, life in NEPA offers an unbeatable mix of outdoor recreation, culture, and affordability. Students can hike scenic trails, enjoy live sports, or explore local restaurants between classes. With safe neighborhoods, accessible public transit, and a welcoming community spirit, Northeastern Pennsylvania is where students can learn, grow, and build their future.
Pottsville CollegeTowne | Pottsville, PA
Alvernia University — Pottsville CollegeTowne, conveniently located in Downtown Pottsville features a state-of-the-art academic facility in a community-based higher education setting. The university offers 10 bachelor’s Degree programs and a range of credit certificate programs. With its Pottsville CollegeTowne location, adult and continuing education formats are available alongside the main campus offerings.
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Bloomsburg, PA
Commonwealth University — Bloomsburg has an enrollment around 7,739 students and offers 54 bachelor’s degree programs, 45 minors, and approximately 19 graduate degree options in Bloomsburg . The institution supports over 200 student clubs and organizations, providing a vibrant campus life beyond academics. Known for its strong public university setting, CU Bloomsburg emphasizes experiential learning and offers a full slate of Division II athletic teams.
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East Stroudsburg, PA
East Stroudsburg University serves around 5,460 students and provides more than 50 undergraduate programs, 21 master’s programs and 2 doctoral programs in East Stroudsburg. With a student-faculty ratio around 18:1, the university focuses on both academic rigor and student support. The campus offers NCAA Division II athletics, numerous student clubs and activities, and is situated in the scenic Pocono Mountains.
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Scranton, PA
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton enrolls roughly 467 medical students and offers the MD program along with biomedical science graduate tracks. The curriculum emphasizes early clinical exposure, community immersion, and the innovative “Total Health” model of medical education. While the focus is strictly professional and graduate-level, student life is enriched through state-of-the-art medical training and plenty of research opportunities.
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Scranton & Hazleton, PA
Johnson College in Scranton, dedicated to technical and allied-health education, enrolls about 717 students across two campuses. The school offers 18 associate degree programs along with one-year and certificate options, and more than 70% of its faculty have over 10 years of industry experience. Student life at Johnson includes strong relationships with industry, hands-on labs, dual-enrollment opportunities, clubs oriented to trades and technology.
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Pottsville, PA
The Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing in Pottsville enrolls around 200 students annually and offers a three-year diploma program that blends classroom instruction with extensive clinical experience. Students complete one year of prerequisites followed by two years of nursing coursework in partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network. The school is well-known for strong job placement rates and preparing graduates for RN licensure.
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Factoryville, PA
Keystone College in Factoryville enrolls about 1,050 students and offers more than 40 undergraduate and graduate degree options in liberal arts, business, education and science. Its average student-faculty ratio is roughly 12:1, allowing for personalized academic attention. The college supports a full slate of NCAA Division III athletic teams and offers over 30 student clubs and organizations. The 276-acre campus also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
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Wilkes-Barre, PA
King’s College in Wilkes-Barre enrolls around 1,930 students across undergraduate and graduate programs and offers more than 70 academic programs in fields ranging from business and engineering to the liberal arts. With a student-faculty ratio of about 13:1 and 92% of faculty holding terminal degrees, the college emphasizes close mentorship and rigorous academics. Athletics include 28 NCAA Division III teams and student life features 40+ clubs, global study-abroad options and service-learning opportunities.
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Scranton, PA + Satellite Locations
Lackawanna College in Scranton enrolls approximately 1,939 undergraduates and is known for its open-admissions policy that serves students across career and transfer pathways. The college offers associate and bachelor’s programs in fields such as business, criminal justice, health sciences and manufacturing technologies. Student life features NJCAA athletics and regional clubs. With numerous satellite centers, the college emphasizes accessibility and workforce alignment.
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Morgan Center | Tamaqua, PA
Lehigh Carbon Community College in Tamaqua offers students an affordable, close-to-home option for earning associate degrees and certificates. The Morgan Center campus includes modern science and nursing labs, a tutoring center, and library services. Established in 2003, the site provides courses in business, health sciences, and general studies, along with accessible advising and financial aid support.
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Nanticoke, PA + Satellite Locations
Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke enrolls around 4,000 students and provides more than 100 associate degree, certificate, and diploma programs with easy transfer options. As a two-year public institution, LCCC emphasizes affordable access, dual-admission programs with regional 4-year universities, and workforce-oriented training. Multiple campus sites across Northeastern Pennsylvania deliver flexible scheduling and community-based education.
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Dunmore, PA
Marywood University in Scranton serves about 2,850 students across undergraduate and graduate levels, with over 80 majors and more than 30 graduate and doctoral programs. The institution emphasizes a student-faculty ratio around 11:1, and 85% of full-time faculty hold the highest degree in their field. Student life includes NCAA Division III athletics, more than 30 clubs, study-abroad programs and an active service-learning culture.
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Dallas, PA
Misericordia University in Dallas enrolls around 3,200 students, offers 50+ undergraduate majors plus master’s and entry-level and post-professional doctoral programs in health sciences, education, business and arts & sciences. The university’s “Guaranteed Placement Program” supports students with career or grad-school outcomes. Student life includes NCAA Division III athletics, clubs and service activities.
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Tannersville, PA
Northampton Community College in Tannersville enrolls thousands of students in over 100 associate degree programs, certificate programs and diploma options. With more than 120 majors and academic programs, it emphasizes affordable access and seamless transfer pathways to four-year universities. Student life includes NJCAA athletics and over 50 student clubs.
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Hazleton, PA
Penn State Hazleton is a residential campus offering 13 bachelor’s degrees, 5 associate degrees and the first two years of more than 275 majors across the larger Pennsylvania State University system. It enrolls about 500 undergraduate students in Hazleton and offers personalized academic support, key student organizations and intra-campus athletics through the PSUAC/USCAA.
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Dunmore, PA
Penn State Scranton in Dunmore offers 13 bachelor’s degrees, 4 associate degrees and allows students to complete the first two years of more than 275 Penn State majors locally. With around 800 students and a student-faculty ratio of about 16:1, it delivers close-knit instruction, commuter-friendly scheduling and opportunities to engage in research, study abroad and student clubs.
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Schuylkill Haven, PA
Penn State Schuylkill in Schuylkill Haven provides students the chance to start in one of its 10 + baccalaureate programs, begin any of the 275+ majors within the Penn State system and complete their degree on-site or transfer. Student life features regional athletics (USCAA/PSUAC), co-op work experiences and close attention from faculty in a small-college environment.
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Dallas, PA
Penn State Wilkes-Barre in Dallas offers a selection of bachelor’s degrees like business, information technology, repairing surveying engineering and also associate degrees, all within the Penn State network of 275 + majors. The campus emphasizes small classes and student-faculty engagement on a scenic estate, with club activities and the option of transferring or completing years locally.
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Scranton, PA
The University of Scranton in Scranton enrolls approximately 6,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs, offering 69 majors, 50 minors, and over 30 graduate degrees. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, the university emphasizes Jesuit values, experiential learning, and service. Students enjoy more than 90 clubs, 23 NCAA Division III athletic teams, and modern research facilities.
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Wilkes-Barre, PA
Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre enrolls roughly 5,200 students and offers 45 undergraduate majors, 29 graduate degrees and numerous professional certificate programs. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, Wilkes emphasizes hands-on research, internships and experiential learning in fields like engineering, business, pharmacy, and creative writing. The university fields 23 NCAA Division III athletic teams and supports over 70 student clubs and organizations.
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Learn Local. Stay Local.
NEPA schools offer the complete package — excellent programs, community connection, and a lifestyle you’ll love. Choosing a college isn’t easy, but it’s worth exploring the many incredible opportunities right here at home.
Article updated from its original version published on 6/6/18.
